We lived in an Airbnb tiny home for a week — and it was completely different than what we expected

The latest Bravo reality show? No, just a work trip with two Business Insider reporters looking for a place to rest their weary heads after a long day of dedicated and strenuous fast-food investigating.

When we booked a tiny home through Airbnb in Charlottesville, Virginia, we didn’t know what to expect: a quirky miniature respite, or a tiny home of terror.

Would the small space be inhabitable, or unspeakably cramped and uncomfortable? Could two colleagues co-inhabit such close quarters and still remain on speaking terms? And there’s a bathroom, right?

What we discovered shattered our expectations in more ways than one.

The tiny home was in the backyard of our Airbnb hosts, at a comfortable distance from their house. Walking up, we were immediately impressed by the charming cottage — but a pang of anxiety arose. Would there be room for two in this tiny home?

Hollis Johnson

Our initial fears were assuaged as we entered and took in the clever use of space. Although the tiny home was essentially an open concept (apart from the bathroom, luckily), there were four distinct sections.

Hollis Johnson

Immediately upon entering, we found ourselves in the “living room” area. The tiny home was smartly decorated in bright, clean colors and sharp furniture.

Hollis Johnson

Despite being set up to conserve space, our hosts had outfitted the house with a myriad of personal touches. Books, photos, and knick-knacks didn’t take up much room but changed the atmosphere for the better.

Hollis Johnson

The living room was also Kate’s “bedroom”. The handsome futon — a decided upgrade from the classic college futon of years past — pulled out into a comfortable and sizable bed.